Key Man: As we saw at Wembley on Wednesday, Steven Gerrard has lost little of his ability or enthusiasm and under Roy Hodgson the captain will pull the strings of Liverpool’s attempt to put behind them the disappointment of last season. Fernando Torres’ goals will be just as important but, without Gerrard, Liverpool are nothing.

Rising Star: Danny Wilson joined Liverpool from Scotland where he became the youngest player from Rangers and Scotland to play in the Champions League. Earlier this year the defender, still 18, was named the Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year.

Realistic Target: The jury is still out on whether Hodgson can succeed at Anfield. Successive wins in the qualifying ties of the Europa League was a healthy start but hopes of a first ever Premier League success remain remote.